Phew!!! What a long night.........so much deep coughing and that is painful after this type of surgery. Mommy and daddy talked to the vet on call last night around 11:00pm and decided I would need some super duper strong antibiotics and he would meet us to pick up in the AM. However, the sound of my cough became like the honking of a goose and mommy and daddy loaded me up early this morning and off we went to the ER vet!

The ER vet said I had the beginning stages of pneumonia, more than likely caused from the trauma of the trachea tube from surgery. I am some fluid in my lungs. I got a shot of antibiotics, cough medication and then got to come home and eat some scrambled eggs!

My regular vet called and we discussed everything. He says the most important thing is to get the coughing under control as it is not good after this type of surgery. We are on a strict medication schedule of antibiotics, pain meds, cough medication, anti-inflammatory medication, thyroid....and more!!!

I am doing my best to rest and relax. My eyes are brighter today and we are having a gentle rain, so far without thunder.

Mommy is exhausted and so concerned about starting her new job tomorrow. She is working both her jobs this week and at the hospital on Saturday. She is feeling so guilty. I have assured her she is doing the right thing..............as this is her dream job and she has to grab the opportunity and hold on the knowing awareness I will be fine. Daddy and Granny and Papa will be with me. Daddy is staying home until Thursday and hopefully, we will soon be over the biggest hurdles and not in such a critical time.

I know each of you is wrapping me in healing love and the power of the paw. That alone will see me through. May I ask for you to send mommy a little extra, she needs some strength...............she is so physically tired and I want her to be okay.

I have to tell you all, I am so blessed with such a wonderful family....I could ask for nothing more. I am also so blessed with each of you. As I always say, I am one lucky girl.

The words thank you are simply not enough to express how much we appreciate you and all you give so freely from your hearts, but it is all we know to say.

We will keep you updated as mommy can..........no matter what, our hearts are connected by paws.

Made it through my first night....not much sleep and we are all so tired. We are having thunderstorms, and you know how I feel about those!!!! Yikes!!!!

As luck would have it....we are supposed to have thunderstorms for the next 6 days....what timing. We sooooooooooo need the rain and yet I sooooooooooooooooo need the calm.

Mommy went to the vet and got stronger pain meds this AM and some anixety meds to calm me should the storms get bad. I got some special chicken treats too. Yummy!!! Mommy is restricting my food and water intake to little amounts throughout the day to help ease any stomach discomfort, plus I already have a cough from the intubation tube.

Mommy posted some pictures on my page....hope they don't bother anyone as they are a little graphic. If they do, please let us know and we will remove immediately.

My page and heart is overflowing with the power of the paw....Love you all and thank you.

I am so thankful to be home. Your amazing power of the paw got me here. We are so grateful to all of you. Your stength carrys us through.

We are still pretty much in shock to learn how large my tumor was...as the vet put it, "the size of a human head." It is so good mommy and daddy decided to remove it as none of realized the extent of the tumor or the damage it was going to cause. It had invaded my chest wall and beyond.....causing more problems than any knew. I didn't have it 6 months ago when I had all my chest xrays so this tumor just grew as qucikly as rabbits have babies!!! : )

NO CANCER FOUND!!!!!

We are still in a very critical part of my recovery as I have a huge hole or cavity under my arm and in my chest where this tumor was. It has to heal from the inside out. I have more internal stiches than I can count and about 10-12 stiches on the outside. I am pretty bruised. Since I had to have the muscle of my chest wall cut....the pain is intense and I have lots of swelling and pooling of blood. I have some good medication and I am doing all I can to rest and follow the strict guidelines to assure healing.

Mommy and daddy have fixed our tv room into a huge confined dog room.. We have a mattress on the floor for daddy, Mommy is on the couch which is not so good on her spine, but she doesnt complain, and I have blankets, beds, a little water and direct acces to outside and so much love. I am on total bed rest for 2 weeks and retricted movement. To top it off, we are having thunder stormsright now. Thunder storms really scare me. Mommy has told me it is all the furangles at the bridge purring and sending the power of the paw. Wow, I am a lucky girl. Still sounds like thunder to me!! : (

Mommy will be in this confined area with me until she starts her new job on Monday.....yes, can you say stress? She works 6 days next week while in training and doing her other work. Daddy has taken off through next Wednesday. Then on Thursday when I can be moved, I will go to Granny and PaPa's house down the street. Mommy will stay with me after work and Daddy will stay at our house after work with CK....best plan...the whole family is supporting me 150%. Did I mention I am one lucky girl?

I am so glad mommy and daddy did this for me as I wouldn't have been here much longer. Mommy says she will take pictures this weekend for all to see.

Mommy is so tired. Daddy is going to let her take short nap....we won't be on much as there is so much going on. Each day, we will try to let you know how I am....

Once again, thank you. There are simply no words to describe how loved and supported my family and I feel. Mommy can never possibly thank everyone individually for all the pmails, rosies, gifts, etc....there is such an abundance. Please know we thank each of you in our hearts....

I love you and never foget...our hearts are connected by paws. Please keep sending healing strength and the power of the paw as we are not out of the woods yet..............

This is Sissy's mom. Wanted to share an update with you.
The vet tech called and states Sissy is awake and in a lot of pain.The say the tumor was much larger than realized as it had grown completely under her chest wall muscle. They had to cut it out. Much more extensive than thought. The recovery is going to be difficult.

The say it was the right decision as it could have caused organ issues at the rate it was growing. I pray it was the right thing to put her through this trauma. I feel heartsick she is suffering so.

I don't want to leave her at the vet hospital as no one stays with them. They keep cameras on them to monitor them, but if she can't come home, I will more than likely take her to the ER vet for the night. I feel more comfortable.

Sissy wants you all to know how much we love and appreciate all the notes, cards, rosies, gifts, words of encouragment, photo stroll and the miracle of all the power of the paw.

After much soul searching, my family and I have decided surgery is the best option for me at this time. Phew!!! I must admit, I am scared and I know my family is too.

My lipoma tumor has continued to grow rather rapidly over the past few weeks and is now definitely causing my leg to turn in slightly making it more difficult for me to walk. The lipoma tumor is very large. We are hoping beyond hope, it has remained encapsulated and not attached to the any of my muscles. There is no way of knowing until the vet gets in there and sees it for himself.

This is going to be a very difficult surgery for me with a long recovery. I am a strong lady with a golden heart and I do believe I will endure and recover to feel even better than before and have less mobility issues in my remaining golden years.

Everything is pretty risky with a gal my age, but I have let mommy know I am ready to do this surgery and give it a fair shot. With the rapid growth of this tumor, the other option is not one we are ready to make. Should I have to go to the bridge due to something happening during surgery, I asked my mommy to promise she will know she did the right thing and never blame herself. She all too well understands about mobility issues and quality of life. I know how much my family loves me and I appreciate they are going to take this chance for me.

Daddy will be taking off work for several days to help care for me....it's all planned out. I believe mommy will be starting a new job during the same time causing her more stress knowing she is not with me 24/7. This new job opportunity is amazing and I want mommy to enjoy as she deserves this so much.

A little favor please....mommy could use a little power of the paw now and during my surgery and recovery time! Mommy has a few extra health struggles she is facing this week. Hopefully all will resolve positively.

Thanks for being there for us and we will keep you updated as my surgery gets closer and through the whole process. We believe the power of the paw will see us through.....

...rosies, gifts and power of the paw. You all are such a wonderful support system for us and we greatly appreciate each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts.

We have not decided on the surgery yet. Mommy has it scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11. We will wait and see how things go between now and then. The decision is so tough and mommy and daddy only want the very best for me. We love each other so. Perhaps we will all find peace with the decision we make by Sept. 11. Keep the power of the paw coming. We feel it each and every day from all of you.

Also, mommy wanted me to make sure you know how much she appreciates being able to do "group thank-you's" for rosies, gifts, etc. without offending anyone....with her health and injections yesterday, it truly helps. She does try to thank individually whenever possible.

We want to thank all you for the power of the paw and the following for the gifts and rosies:

when she finds out she needs to have a lipoma removed???? As most of you know, usually lipomas are not a big deal....just little fatty tumors we get as we age. Hey, who came up with the term aging gracefully anyway??? hehehehhehe!

Well, I was getting my daily rub from PaPa and he noticed the lipoma under my front leg/chest area seemed bigger....he told mommy and daddy when they came to get me. They both agreed it was bigger and it was making my harness too tight, as well. Seemed it almost doubled in size in a very short amount of time. Daddy and mommy brush me daily, but had not felt the lump closely for a while. iI is not in a place you usual rub, but PaPa just did. It is under my right pawpit and goes into my chest area...covered by lots of fur!

Mommy said, okay...we are going to the vet! Phew!!! Thanks Papa!!! :) We went to the vet and he said "wow! that has really grown." Normally our vet says you don't usually have to do much to these as they are not painful and usually not maligiant; however, it they are in a place to cause problems, especially with mobility, they highly recommend removing them. Well guess what...that is where mine is. Currently, it does not appear to be affecting my mobility...but the vet says soon it will. It will more than likely become so large it will put my only good paw in an ackward position.............hum..........................

The vet says it is hard to know if it will continue to grow at this rate and it is worrisome since it has gotten so large. He feels you take it out now while my health is as good as it can be....as I continue to age, it will only decline. I could also get a smaller one taken off my back leg and get my teeth cleaned. I don't do that often as I dont' do well with anesthesia. Mommy brushes my teeth daily....pearly whites!

Okay....next major concern is the vet says this will be most invasive due to the size and location...he may not be able to get it all....no one really knows until you get in there and see. There is always the slight possibility of cancer.

I already have pretty signficiant mobility issues....I have hip dysplagia and bad right shoulder for previous injury. This is under and invovles my good paw! The recover will be difficult and long. Mommy and Daddy have a plan should we decide this is the best option for me. They are terribly concerned about all this and don't know what is best. I am such a happy girl and ray of sunshine....

If we do it........lots of risks....especially the anesthesia.....and if we don't and then have too do it later due to rapid growth...odds are my health will not be as good and my mobility more impaired, it will more than likely send me to the bridge. The procedure could send me o bridge and then again, it could help me a lot after the healing process.

Mommy is so torn as she feels it is a lot of trauma and I simply won't understand....Daddy feels we should get it done fairly soon.........

Phew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What to do. Please send the power of the paw and any kind words of wisdom.

No answer here seems that it can be right.....so many risks both ways.

I know it has been a while since I have written in my diary. Mommy has not been able to be as active as we would like or type on the pc as much due to some continuing and new health issues ...mommy has to help me type....I never learned!!! I am working on it though!!

We read all the group messages daily and do our very best to keep up with all our friends and their life expereinces. Dogster/catster is our family and each of you is so very important to us. I truly hope you know that....I hold you close in my golden heart every minute of every day!

Wow....we have had lots going on and there has been several bumps in the road along the way. Mommy says we need to get someone to smooth the road out so there are not so many bumps!! hahahaha.... She also tells me it is the bumps in the road which strengthen our inner spirit and shape our lives to stive for more and to overcome with strentgh and gratitude. Wow! I think I have a smart mommy. Guess I could be a little bias.....

I am still having a difficult time with my front shoulder and hips. The vet has given me some great pain medicine and I have learned to sleep downstairs in my bed and not use the stairs. See you can teach an old dog new tricks....did someone say old????!!!! The vet did mention I was aging quite rapidly and I know it is so hard on us all. I feel blessed that my mommy found me on that cold snowing day or I would have never had the last 9 years....We will continue to treasure what we have and mommy and daddy have decided it is all about quality of life now....no heroics. I still go for short walks and wag my golden tail with joy. I can still do a tiny happy happy doggy dance and that makes my mommy smile.

Wow....if any of you have a special connection with mother nature....please ask her to stop the thunder storms. We have had enough already. The thunder terrifies me and it is so hard. Mommy did find a wonderful CD called Dog Ease which was designed by a vet with a special high frequency sonic program which are made only for our doggie ears. The sonic program is mixed with some regular relaxing music and we are giving it a try. We also have some medication from the bet to help......I love the CD....and today we woke up to lots of thunder....so mommy has it on right now. I know we need the rain....just take the thunder away.

Ck, my kitty sibling (not on caster due to being so shy) is doing okay. He got very sick after Jazzi went to the bridge and has never fully recovered. He has not regained the weight he lost, but his health is stable for now. Mom says he is close to 19 too. He is our special needs kitty and a little hard to live with, but we love and accept him as he is...cause none of it is his fault!!! He was treated pretty horribly as a youngster and used as a bait kitty and never fully recovered emotionally from his trauma...can you blame him (NO!!). We have been able to give him unconditional love for the past 16 years....we are lucky we found him...as he has touched all our hearts in a special way.

Of course, I miss my Jazzi! I am so thankful she is busy spreading sunshine and joy to all athe bridge and here on earth....I would expect nothing less from her. She was the sunshine of our hearts too....always will be. Love you my sweet angel sis!

Mommy's new work venture has is still pretty slow and greatly affected by the economy; however, she is going to pick up some extra shifts at an area hosptial to help with income and hope it is not too much physically. she loves her work as a Clinical Social Worker and Geriatric Care Manager and believes she is the right place...just hopefully, one day soon, it will bring in enough to help pay the bills. We have learned to really cut back and make it work.....at least for now.

Mommy got some more spinal injections a few weeks ago and is due to get her shoulder done soon. Phew!!!!

Daddy had big check up yesterday at the doctor and we hope to have the results in a few days....please think positive thoughts and send a little extra power of the paw. If all is well (and it will be), June 21 will be 12 years cancer free. We love you daddy!!

Memaw and Papa are doing well....my Memaw has almost fully recovered from her fall off the ladder! I have been giving her lots of extra healing love.

Here is something which touched my heart and I wanted to share with you all. Not sure who wrote it as it says, author unknown....they sure had a way with words:

Unknown wrote:

"May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand. May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism. Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone. May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace. May a kind word, a reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them. Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.

Teach love to those who hate, and let that love embrace you as you go out into the world. May the teachings of those you admire become part of you, so that you may call upon them. Remember, those whose lives you have touched and whose have touched yours are always a part of you, even if the encounters were less than you would have wished. It is the content of the encounter that is more important than the form.

May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart. Find time each day to see beauty and love in the world around you. Realize that each person has limitless abilities, but each of us is different in our own way. What you feel you lack in the present may become one of your strengths in the future. May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility. Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience. May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on another's judgment of your accomplishments. May you always feel loved".

Well, that about sums it up in a nutshell.....please know each of you are with us always. Once you leave pawprints in our hearts....they are there to stay.